Career Training

A lucrative career can start right at community college. Consider the many smart career options that await after completing community college training programs. From horticulture to the music industry, culinary arts to aerospace, we cover the latest hiring practices, job requirements and trends in the job market.

The traditional school of thought has typically been the higher your degree, the more money you can expect to make. While that theory is still true to an extent, community college graduates who choose the right field of study can expect to make nearly as much as their co-workers with a four-year degree. Check out these seven lucrative positions you can land with just a two-year degree program under your belt.

Registered Nurse

Nursing is a career that is simply always in demand, so jobs will be available regardless of what the economy might decide to do. Many nurses today get their foot in the career door with an associate degree, and then work their way up the hierarchy through practical job experience or additional education. Those who complete their degree program will also need to take state examinations for licensure in order to work in their state of residence.

According to College Surfing, job growth for the nursing profession is expected to grow by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018. The average salary for registered nurses in 2009 was $63,750. In addition, nurses often enjoy added perks like robust benefit packages, flexible schedules and tuition assistance if they decide to pursue additional education for their career path.

Dental Hygienist

There are few jobs as wonderfully flexible as that of a dental hygienist. Work anywhere in the country – small towns and big cities – full time or part time, and make a good salary while doing so. Many dental . . . read more

Environmental science is a rapidly growing field, particularly in light of challenges to our environment like global warming, exponential population growth and potentially dangerous carbon emissions. Environmental scientists work to find ways to meet and overcome those challenges, in order to maintain a livable environment for generations to come. Training needs of this field can often be found at a local community college, where a two-year degree in environmental science can prepare you for a rewarding career or the next step in your education process.

What is Environmental Science?

Environmental science is the study of how various factors like industry, production and humans impact the natural environment. Through those studies, an environmental scientist look for ways to limit damage to wildlife, humans and natural habitat, through processes like conservation and green living ideas. The field of environmental science is a truly innovative one, as professionals in the industry look for new energy sources that are friendlier to the world in which we live.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that an environmental scientist may begin his work by identifying the problems leading up to environmental damage. The scientist will then look for solutions to those problems, by observing and analyzing components of air, food, water and soil. The job is highly specialized and might involve working with other companies or government agencies to educate, develop policies and measure the results of those policies on the environment.

A number of community college students from around the country are headed to NASA to help design robotic rovers for Mars exploration. The 92 students chosen for the project were carefully selected after participating in interactive online assignments throughout the school year and will be headed to a NASA center this spring to complete their tasks. The National Community College Aerospace Scholar program designed the project, with sponsorship from NASA, and will include students from 24 different states across the country.

The Purpose of the Program

According to a press release at the NASA website, the program is based on the Texas Aerospace Scholars program, which was originally created as a partnership between the state’s education community and NASA. The purpose was to get more students excited about STEM areas of study, particularly science and engineering. This particular project, through the National Community College Aerospace Scholar program and NASA, is designed to offer hands-on opportunities in STEM fields that will inspire more students to enter those fields after they finish college.

“I am so proud of the Community College Aerospace Scholars program,” Leland Melvin, NASA’s associate administrator for education, stated in the press release. “Community colleges offer NASA a great pool of STEM talent critical to our scientific and exploration initiatives. They also serve a large portion of our nation’s minority students. Engaging these underserved and underrepresented learners in STEM initiatives helps NASA build a more inclusive and diverse workforce for the future.”

Community colleges often serve a unique role in their communities by offering specific job training for nearby industries hoping to beef up their workforces. The latest addition to Chattanooga State Community College follows in those footsteps, offering first-class job training for a plant that is not even scheduled to open in the area until later next year. How do the soon-to-be new industrial neighbors from Germany know Chattanooga State will be able to meet their employment needs? They had a direct hand in creating the institute that will train up their first generation of American employees.

The Wacker Corporation

Wacker Chemical Corporation is a German-based conglomerate that manufactures hyperpure polysilicon that is used to convert sunlight into energy. The company is currently building a new plant in Bradley County – its first on American soil. However, before that plant can celebrate its grand opening late in 2013, it must find approximately 650 highly skilled workers to man the plant floor. That is where the Wacker Institute comes in to help.

Through a cooperative effort between Chattanooga State Community College and Wacker Chemie, the Wacker Institute has been born. According to a press release at Market Watch, this $5 million pilot plant will become a part of the engineering technology division at Chattanooga State. The plant will serve as the training facility for the hundreds of skilled workers that will be needed at the Wacker plant next year. To ensure the training is specifically geared to Wacker needs, . . . read more

A potential college student interested in pursuing the performing arts as a career or hobby may not look to a community college as their first choice in realizing that dream. However, many community colleges nationwide offer state-of-the-art facilities and first-class instructors in theatre and music today. Whether you are looking for a college major program or simply a place to ham it up onstage after class time, a community college might be the perfect place to explore your creative side.

The Benefits of Music in Higher Education

Music is a beneficial component to add to the higher education experience, whether it is a major course of study or something to enjoy on the side. According to Tarpley Music, some of the benefits of music in education at any level include:

Social Benefits – Studies show that students who participate in some sort of music program while in school have a lower incidence of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.

Scholastic Benefits – Music students also tend to score higher on standardized examinations, whether in primary, secondary or post-secondary schools. They also earn more “A’s” and “B’s” in their coursework than students who are not in music.

Behavioral Benefits – Research from the National Data Resource Center shows that students in music programs are less likely to be classified as “disruptive” in school

Intellectual Benefits – One study suggested that music training is superior to computer training in enhancing abstract reasoning skills used in math and science courses.

From nuclear medicine to physical therapy, consider 10 in-demand jobs for community college graduates. With salaries ranging from $50,000 to even $100,000, opportunities are ripe for those with the right training from community colleges.

President Obama recently introduced a plan to deliver free Community College tuition to all Americans across the country. Is it the right call?
In this story, we will not attempt to make a judgment call on whether free Community College is right or wrong for the United States. Instead, we paneled a few experts in education and economics to get their take on the issue. We’re showing both sides of the coin, and letting readers decide on their own.

Are you concerned about the environment? Do you want to help stem global warming and rainforest decimation? If so, a green career may be for you. Community colleges around the country are offering programs in sustainable energy, from solar panels to wind turbines. From biodiesel to energy storage, explore your green career options here.

Recession-proof and rewarding, healthcare careers can be started right from community college. Here you’ll identify the hottest trends in health care degrees, earn how to become an emergency technician and read why community college is a great place to start your addiction counseling degree.

With renowned culinary programs, community colleges are a delicious place to begin your culinary arts career. From brewing beer to cake decorating, community colleges offer a wide variety of culinary degrees. Learn how to earn a college degree while drinking wine, identify 5-star culinary programs, and turn that baking hobby into a lucrative career.

Jump start a career in business right at your community college. Explore the various business degree programs available, from marketing to human resources, these articles will provide you with valuable information on business career opportunities for community college graduates. Many famous entrepreneurs started their careers at community college, add your name to the list.

Start your teaching career quickly and affordably with community college training. Here we’ll cover early education training standards, teacher certifications and specialty certifications. If you are interested in working with young children, special needs children, or kids with disabilities, this is the place to start.

Community colleges offer a myriad of degree programs for students interested in creative careers. From glass blowing to fashion design, community college degrees are opening doors into many creative industries. Learn how you can prepare for a career in radio broadcasting, cosmetology or music at community college.

Indeed, science and technology careers, ranging from cyber-security to nano-technology, can all start from community college training. Get your feet wet with waterbotics, crack into cyber-security or dive into marine biology at your local community college.

Begin your career in public service at community college. Receive cutting-edge firefighting training, lean more about air force programs and learn how community colleges are training our armed forces. Regardless of the badge you carry, a honorable public service career can be jump started at community college.

– From welding technology to automobile manufacturing community colleges are training students for lucrative manufacturing careers. Get the scoop on middle skills, labor shortages and the best degrees for manufacturing careers.

There are lots of lucrative careers for community college graduates. Here we’ll cover the top career choices for two-year degree holders, six-figure jobs you can land with an associate’s degree, and how community college can take your career to the next level.

Everything you need to know about the earnings potential of a community college degree. From fast track training to careers suited for introverts, we’ll cover a variety of career related topics. Learn more about a recession proof careers, casino dealing certification and theology programs at community college.